Are panic attacks normal for teenager's going through puberty?

[Noah16]

So I know this kinda falls into the category of being for the teen's common area but I thought I'd ask people who have dealt with anxiety. Let me start off by saying that I am sixteen and am at this point in my lie I am having anxiety that spans from being self conscious to stuff like death. It really kicked in back in April of this year when I was experiencing this really bad anxiety, and this when I first had an anxiety attack. I felt sick in my stomach and couldn't walk. My vision started to get blurry, and I couldn't speak straight. Only studdering. I tried talking to my mom about anxiety but she tells me that I'm just over thinking myself and that I'm just nervous. She says its normal for teenagers to feel anxiety but none of my friends have had anxiety like me. Sometimes I wonder if I have an anxiety disorder or ocd because I only ever obsess over these thoughts. Wether or not I do I've always been praying that God givesme peace but if you could pray for me then it would also be much appreciated. Lastly, I just have to know. Are panic attacks normal for teenager's going through puberty? I know anxiety is normal for teenagers, but are panic attacks normal?

 

[amariselle]

So I know this kinda falls into the category of being for the teen's common area but I thought I'd ask people who have dealt with anxiety. Let me start off by saying that I am sixteen and am at this point in my lie I am having anxiety that spans from being self conscious to stuff like death. It really kicked in back in April of this year when I was experiencing this really bad anxiety, and this when I first had an anxiety attack. I felt sick in my stomach and couldn't walk. My vision started to get blurry, and I couldn't speak straight. Only studdering. I tried talking to my mom about anxiety but she tells me that I'm just over thinking myself and that I'm just nervous. She says its normal for teenagers to feel anxiety but none of my friends have had anxiety like me. Sometimes I wonder if I have an anxiety disorder or ocd because I only ever obsess over these thoughts. Wether or not I do I've always been praying that God givesme peace but if you could pray for me then it would also be much appreciated. Lastly, I just have to know. Are panic attacks normal for teenager's going through puberty? I know anxiety is normal for teenagers, but are panic attacks normal?

Hi Noah,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I know, personally, how frightening panic attacks can be. (I've dealt with anxiety and panic all my life).

Even though we've come a long way in understanding mental illness, there is still a huge amount of misunderstanding and stigma around it.

Yes, the teenage years can be very stressful, but the overwhelming anxiety/panic and associated physical symptoms you're dealing with are not just a "normal" part of puberty, or any phase of life for that matter.

Have you had an opportunity to speak with a doctor about this?

 

[Noah16]

Hi Noah,

I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. I know, personally, how frightening panic attacks can be. (I've dealt with anxiety and panic all my life).

Even though we've come a long way in understanding mental illness, there is still a huge amount of misunderstanding and stigma around it.

Yes, the teenage years can be very stressful, but the overwhelming anxiety/panic and associated physical symptoms you're dealing with are not just a "normal" part of puberty, or any phase of life for that matter.

Have you had an opportunity to speak with a doctor about this?

It really only started acting up a little less than a year ago, and every time I try to ask my mom or dad about stuff like that its normal to have anxiety. As long as I have something to keep my mind off of the anxiety I feel fine but still it can be frustrating.

 

[Winken]

Check with an M.D. after getting permission from your parents.

 

[amariselle]

It really only started acting up a little less than a year ago, and every time I try to ask my mom or dad about stuff like that its normal to have anxiety. As long as I have something to keep my mind off of the anxiety I feel fine but still it can be frustrating.

Very frustrating and no doubt stressful.

It's good that you can and do focus on other things, but there is no shame on reaching out for help. I know it can be very difficult for parents to understand, I faced that as well, even though anxiety in some ways "runs in my family" if you will.

I think you should, if possible, sit down and discuss what you're dealing with specifically with your parents, and discuss the possibility of seeing a doctor.

I know that's not easy either. I ended up in emergency before I could bring myself to ask for help.

 

[blackribbon]

It is not "normal" to the level you are describing...can you talk to a school counselor or someone at church to help you talk to your parents?

 

[Noah16]

So for me I want to say that I don't get anxiety daily or anything. In fact for the most part I do get anxiety but and when I do it can feel like everything is worse than it seems. I call it a panic attack because that's what it feels like and after talking with people they explained that my definition of panic attack is some what to a panic attack that someone with anxiety might feel most of it is just intense fear but not like a real genuine panic attack if you know what I mean. Basically its they said its normal to feel anxiety as a teenager and its normal to have fear but when you are afraid or anxious it feels like things are worse then they seem if that makes any sense the way I described it I mean

 

[SamanthaMathis]

Your young hormones are for sure exacerbating the issue. They may be normal for a few days, on and off, but if you feel it may be excessive you should consult with someone, a physician or parent. If the feelings flare up when you are about to give a speech, or going to do a group activity i wouldn't worry. if its every morning heading to school it may be worth asking about. I actually work as a biology teacher and know abit, if you have more question don't be afraid to message.

 

[Dave-W]

No - what you describe is NOT normal at all. If your parents think it is, then maybe they went thru something similar. (a family sickness??)

I would definitely talk to a doctor about it, the sooner the better.